Comments on: The Heart and Soul of “Big” Success

By: Mary Anne Fisher

Mary Anne Fisher — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:08:29 +0000

@ Sarah – It’s definitely a difficult lesson to master – especially in today’s society wherein we’ve been “indoctrinated” to make most or all of our business- and career-decisions from a primarily money-based perspective.

Ironically, the money tends to flow a lot easier (and faster) and happiness becomes an ongoing part of our work-a-day routine when those decisions are based first and foremost from the perspective of our truest selves and desires.

Thanks a bunch for sharing your insights and experiences.

By: Sarah Bray

Sarah Bray — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 02:39:28 +0000

This is *so* true, and something I’m evolving into as I become more and more confident that taking only the right, soul-fulfilling jobs (even when times are slower, and I’m starting to get nervous) is the ONLY thing I can do to keep my sanity.

Once I take the soul-sucking job with a client that I don’t resonate with, it inevitably saps any momentum that I had, takes longer than it should have, evokes incredible anxiety and stress, and makes me unavailable to say yes to the right jobs.

Definitely a lesson hard learned, and you’ve put it into words right here.

By: Alexei Vinidiktov

Alexei Vinidiktov — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:09:36 +0000

@Mary Anne – I must apologize for misspelling your name in my first comment. Sorry.

@Mark – Things happen. No one’s perfect.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 08:45:38 +0000

@ Alexei – I’d like to point out that, while Mary Anne takes the credit for the great article, the broken link was my handiwork!

Not the first time Tony’s been called in to fix my technical gaffes.

By: Mary Anne Fisher

Mary Anne Fisher — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:01:26 +0000

@ Alexei – You’re quite welcome… and thank you for reporting the link!

@ Suzie – You said…

“I LOVE your emphasis on Josh just doing what felt natural, true and in alignment for him, first. As I honor this for myself things just keep getting better and better.”

THIS is truly where the magic lies – not only for you, but in the amazing work and products you’re able to provide for your clients, leading to greater success for you!

You’re so fortunate to understand and have the courage to embrace this. Most people…

*Haven’t fully grasped this (or resist it because they don’t yet “trust” it or their truest selves)

*Feel unsure of who they really are (their deepest passions, purpose & desires)

*Know who they are and what they want, but not how to go about aligning with those aspects of themselves when it comes to the operation and marketing of their businesses.

I’m so glad the article struck a chord with you. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share your thoughts, Suzie.

By: Suzie Price

Suzie Price — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:38:39 +0000

Love this post – the first 5 years of my business I was THE marketer… and last year was my best year yet. I injected me into what I was doing – but mostly twisted me around a bit to match what the client wanted… money success – which I needed to prove to myself I could do it.

Now, I am stepping back a bit from the “what do they want” focus and letting more of the “what do I most want to express and be” come through.

Initially my markers were: #1) Could I win the business – enjoying the challenge #2)$$$-made and #3) what impact I could make.

I’ve totally flipped my ‘acceptance’ of gigs criteria to:
#1) Do I feel excited and aligned around this project, these people, this company? #2) Can I add GREAT value (not just some value – but GREAT A++ value and #3) $$$$ to m be made

I FEEL more successful NOW – with the 2nd set of criteria. I’m happier, feeling more creative AND making money.

I LOVE your emphasis on Josh just doing what felt natural, true and in alignment for him, first. As I honor this for myself things just keep getting better and better.

Thank you for this thoughtful and personally meaningful post!

By: Tony

Tony — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:01:32 +0000

Thanks, Alexei. The link is fixed.

By: Alexei Vinidiktov

Alexei Vinidiktov — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:18:32 +0000

Marie Anne, I just wanted to say “thank you” and report a broken link here:

”
Unlike this inspiring movie-related post, I won’t spoil the ending for those who haven’t seen it.
”

The correct link is:

http://lateralaction.com/articles/stubborn-succeed/

By: Mary Anne Fisher

Mary Anne Fisher — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:06:26 +0000

@ FutureExpat – Thank you! I hope this helps resolve your dilemma.

By: FutureExpat

FutureExpat — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:14:19 +0000

Fantastic! This is so well presented. I’ve been suffering the “heart vs. soul” dilemma for years, but have never been able to express it so well.